Guide
What Is the Book of Nahum?
8th–7th Century BCE
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Nahum, a prophet of unknown date, makes a pronouncement about the destruction of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire that was destroyed in the late seventh century BCE. Earlier, in 722–720 BCE, Assyria had conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The destruction of Assyria, therefore, was good news for the people of Judah who, it was thought, would never again be invaded by criminal nations.
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
Pronouncements against Nineveh
Nahum 1, 3 (selections)
A pronouncement on Nineveh: The Book of the Prophecy of Nahum the Elkoshite.
The Lord is a passionate, avenging God;
The Lord is vengeful and fierce in wrath.
The Lord takes vengeance…